Depot antipsychotics. Patient characteristics and prescribing pattern
Author: Al Sughayir MA.
Source:
Saudi Med J. 2000 Dec;21(12):1178-81.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prescribing pattern of depot neuroleptics and the
clinical characteristics of patients attending depot clinic. METHODS: A case
series of chronic psychotics attending the depot clinic in the day care center at
King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, over 10 years. Data was obtained
from hospital records, patients interview and contact with patients' relatives
and social workers. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 69 (55% were
males). The majority were single schizophrenics between 25 and 45 years.
Fifty-one percent of patients lost contact with the service. The Chlorpromazine
equivalent depot dose was 188.5 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Patients clinical
characteristics were not significant predictors of use or non-compliance with
depot neuroleptics. Losing contact with service was very high. Regular internal
audits are required.